December 29, 2015

PinkyPiggu's Best Nine On Instagram! #2015bestnine



Absolutely love this feature of Instagram which allows us to see our Most-Like Instagram Photos of 2015! It's like a recap of our food journey of the year and feeling the deliciousness all over again.

So here are PinkyPiggu's Best Nine On Instagram. You can get yours here too!

Thanks everyone for the likes and the support at my Instagram account @PinkyPiggu.

December 25, 2015

CUT by Wolfgang Puck @ Marina Bay Sands, Singapore ~ One Of The Best Steaks In Singapore!



CUT by Wolfgang Puck is the celebrity chef's modern take on the American steakhouse, and widely acclaimed to be one of the very best in the United States.

Its third outpost debuted in Singapore's Marina Bay Sands in 2010, and has been on my to-go list for a long time. The only thing that's holding me back is the imaginable cost of a dining experience there.

Understandably, premium steak comes at an equally premium price. It's not something that my wallet allows on a frequent basis, but reserve for celebratory occasions worth splurging on. So when our dear boy wanted to eat at CUT for his birthday meal, CUT it shall be.

December 22, 2015

Wildfire Burgers! Now At 313@Somerset!



With BWB nestled away (and easily forgotten) in the roof garden and the impending closure of EWF at Orchard Central (on 3rd Jan 2016), the recently opened Wildfire Burgers at 313@Somerset could possibly be the best convenient solution if you're looking for a gourmet burger fix around Somerset area.

This is Wildfire's 2nd outlet after Evans Road with a much more accessible location. Situated just across Bedrock, we find it to be quite a nice spot to chill over some specialty burgers and drinks. It was my birthday lunch (thanks to my beloved brother Daniel for the blessed treat) and I so so so wished not to return to the office after that lol.

December 20, 2015

London Fat Duck @ Scotts Square, Orchard ~ Go For Their Signature Roasted Duck!



December may be the month for turkeys, but for something which we can enjoy in all seasons, ducks would be the choice of poultry. No, make it... Roasted Ducks!

London Fat Duck is a Hong Kong-style restaurant nestled in the basement of Scotts Square along Orchard Road. Besides the signature London Roast Duck, their menu also offers other barbeque delights such as char siew, crackling pork belly, as well as wanton noodles, congee, and dim sum. Very much the kind of Hong Kong comfort food not unlike what we can find at Crystal Jade or Imperial Treasure.

December 17, 2015

Salt Tapas & Bar By Luke Mangan @ Raffles City ~ Make It A King Feast This New Year's Eve!



Salt Grill & Sky Bar by Luke Mangan (Ion Orchard) offers one of the best views for high in the sky fine dining in Singapore, but for a more casual and boisterous meal experience, its sister restaurant Salt Tapas & Bar (Raffles City) would be just as fantastic.

(Read: Salt Grill & Sky Bar By Luke Mangan @ Ion Orchard ~ Quality Modern Australian Cuisine With Fantastic View)

PinkyPiggu was belly happy to have a preview of Salt Tapas' King Feast NYE Menu which is only available for one day only on 31st December 2015! Feast on the seafood centric King Of The Sea or be satiated by King Of The Land for carnivore you? It could be a very tough choice, as both menus have its own merits to boast of.

December 15, 2015

Morton's The Steakhouse Singapore @ Mandarin Oriental Hotel ~ Delectable Fare From The New Fall Seasonal Menu



Nestled in the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Morton's Of Chicago is considered to be one of the best steakhouse in Singapore, serving up succulent steaks and fresh seafood accompanied with a selection of carefully-curated wine.

This season, the spotlight is on their 4-course Festive Menu ($258++ per guest), as well as the Fall Seasonal Menu featuring new ala-carte items which aims to bring exciting elements and refreshed flavors to the existing well-loved repertoire.

December 12, 2015

The Carvery @ Park Hotel Alexandra ~ Great Buffet Line-up Of Festive Meats & Dishes!



Best known for the specialty premium roasts in their buffet line-up, The Carvery is a place which carnivore me has been intending to visit for quite awhile.

And the timing couldn't have been better! This stalwart restaurant of Park Hotel Alexandra (located next to Ikea) is currently welcoming their first Christmas this year with a stunning special yuletide offering of festive meats and dishes from 11th to 31st December 2015!

Whether it's for Christmas or New Year, this would be a suitable venue for feasting and merriment with loved ones.

December 10, 2015

Dapper Coffee @ Amoy Street ~ Café By Day, The Spiffy Dapper Bar By Night



Since I need to be at Tanjong Pagar to run some errands, so might as well meet my friend for lunch first as his office is in the vicinity. We thought Dapper Coffee at the nearby Amoy Street would be a nice place to catch-up over some food.

The café is located on level two of a shophouse unit, serving coffee in the day and morphing into The Spiffy Dapper, a hipster bar popular for their cocktails, when evening falls.

December 07, 2015

Oxwell & Co @ Ann Siang Hill, Chinatown ~ Superb Food & Venue! Check Out What They're Offering This Festive Season!



Nestled amid the vibrant dining vicinity of Ann Siang Hill is Oxwell & Co, a British inspired gastro-pub which has been around since 2013.

Its three-storey shophouse premises includes a casual bar on the first floor for refreshing tipples, an elegant hall on the second floor where the main dining takes place, and a private function room on the third level that is reminiscent of a rustic drawing room complete with eccentric British touches.

We went to check out what the restaurant is offering on its menu for this festive season, and were pleased to see three dining options that caters well to different group sizes.

December 05, 2015

Jones The Grocer @ Dempsey Hill ~ A Look At Their Refreshed Menu & Revamped Premises



Jones The Grocer is one of the pioneer stores in Singapore to offer premium gourmet merchandise sourced and selected from around the globe, and showcases these through their in-store café menu for patrons to enjoy.

Putting the recent liabilities woes behind them, they've now bounced back with a refreshed menu at their revamped premises at Dempsey Hill.

The space is certainly inviting with natural daylight and high ceiling. Let your tummy-state decide if you should sit down for a meal, or do a little tour of the food emporium first.

December 03, 2015

One Man Coffee @ Fusionpolis ~ Serving Aromatic Coffee & Delicious Sandwiches



One Man Coffee at Upper Thomson Road is one of the few cafés in Singapore which I make frequent return visits to, for the simple reason that I like their coffee.

(Read: One Man Coffee ~ A Lovely Café Along Upper Thomson Road. Must Order Their Brioche French Toast!)

Besides the other outlet at Serangoon Village, their latest branch to open is at the business hub of Fusionpolis near Buona Vista (nearest mrt: CC23 One-North).

The location makes it perfect for office executives in the area whose morning doesn't start until they have their first cuppa of the day. Wake up! Wake up!

December 02, 2015

Caffé Bene @ Vivocity ~ Popular Coffeehouse Chain From Korea Opens In Singapore



First opened in year 2008 in Korea, Caffé Bene has since grown in popularity to an expansion of over 1,500 stores worldwide. The number is still growing, with the opening of Singapore outlet on 18 November 2015 marking another addition.

Caffé Bene is literally translated as "good coffee". The branch at Singapore's Vivocity (located on level 2, next to Sushi Tei) mirrors the concept of serving brewed coffee, hot and cold beverages, waffles, gelato, not unlike the menu that is being offered in Korea.

Oh yes, we can enjoy Bingsu, those refreshing Korean shaved ice dessert, here as well.

November 27, 2015

Christmas Magic 2015 @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Orchard Road ~ A Look At Their Buffet Line-Up & Takeaway Goodies



Christmas is nearing! Magical time of the year to celebrate the greatest love of all that came down from heavens with our loved ones once again. Most of us usually do it over scrumptious food? Yes? No? Haha, let the festive feasting begin!

PinkyPiggu had a first glimpse of what to expect at Singapore Marriot Tang Plaza's Christmas Magic which will be taking place at Marriott Cafe from 1st to 30th December 2015.

Besides an extensive array of classic Christmas delicacies as well as interesting new creations at the buffet line-up, takeaway goodies are also available at the hotel's forecourt stall.

November 25, 2015

Nan Hwa Fishboat @ Owen Road, Farrer Park ~ Popular Fish Steamboat At North Bridge Road Finally Opens 2nd Branch!



If you're wondering whether the recently-opened Nan Hwa FishBoat at Owen Road bears any relations to the famed Nan Hwa Chong (Ah Chew) Fish Head Steamboat at North Bridge Road, the answer would be: "yes!"

In existence since 1927, one of the oldest charcoal fish head steamboat restaurants in Singapore finally unveiled its second outlet earlier this month in November. That's after 88 years!

We were at the new branch for dinner and my dining companion was literally swooning over their specialty fish soup. "Still so so so good after all these years!", he said.

November 22, 2015

Andong Zzimdak @ Raffles City ~ A Korean Restaurant That Specializes In Andong Braised Chicken



The Korean wave hits again, or should I say, it didn't really stop? Andong Zzimdak is the latest franchise restaurant from Korea that recently opened in the basement of Raffles City, dedicating itself to serving mainly one dish called Andong Jjimdak.

I can only imagine that one dish to be really really good. Hmm... really?

That's why when my friend asked me what I want to eat for dinner, without hesitation my reply was "Andong chicken!". Even more so when it was a rainy Friday, such perfect weather to enjoy the simmered chicken dish which originated from Andong and is well-known for its hearty portion as well as extreme spiciness.

November 20, 2015

Le Bistrot Du Sommelier @ Armenian Street ~ A Bistro For Hearty French Fare and Wine. Love Their Foie Gras Terrine!



True to its name, Le Bistrot Du Sommelier is all about bistronomy and wine discovery.

The French bistro has been serving up hearty French fare, along with a selection of carefully curated wine since its inception in year 2008 back at Prinsep Street.

Its current premises at Armenian Street houses a lovely rustic-looking main dining hall on the ground level, and a rillette bar on the upper floor which offers patrons a fun, informal place to nibble on delicious charcuterie that are made in-house.

November 17, 2015

Joyden Treasures @ Leisure Park Kallang, Stadium Walk ~ Latest Restaurant By Joyden Concepts Is A Joy-filled Trove Of Heritage Flavors



From Joyden Seafood (formerly known as West Coast Seafood, West Coast Recreation Centre) to Joyden Canton Kitchen (HillV2), and now Joyden Treasures (Leisure Park Kallang), this Singaporean owned family business has indeed come a long way since it was established more than 30 years ago.

The second generation took over the reins in 2013, and now manages the restaurant chain under Joyden Concepts.

Joyden Treasures is largest outlet and the latest addition to the group, focusing on time-honored traditional dishes and a selection of the family's well-loved recipes. My belly was filled with joy after the recent dinner experience there.

November 15, 2015

The Populus Coffee & Food Co @ Neil Road ~ One Of The Best New Cafés To Open Recently



Check out yet another hipster café? Why not?

Time and tummy space are rather scarce nowadays, so have to choose wisely which cafés to visit. The Populas Coffee & Food Co at Neil Road turned out to be a rather winning choice with enjoyable coffee, reasonably good food, adequate service and contemporary industrial chic interior matched with trendy vibes and good-looking crowd (including us Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow! Lol!).

Looks like The Lokal, which is located just a few doors away, is gonna face some stiff competition.

November 12, 2015

Laurent's Café By Laurent Bernard Chocolatier @ Robinsons Orchard ~ Love Its Dark, Cosy, Relaxing Vibes



Laurent Bernard Chocolatier is no newcomer to the café scene, having been around in Singapore since 2006 with several outlets and boutiques in Robertson Quay, Portsdown, Takashimaya and Hitachi Tower.

The latest branch to open is at the basement of Hereen Orchard where Robinson department store is housed, right next to Gyoza-ya.

Enjoying that well-loved dark chocolate souffle or French pastries in a cosy café setting is now more convenient than ever.

November 10, 2015

Avenue Joffre 霞飞路 @ Resort World Sentosa ~ A New Chinese Restuarant That Serves A Mix Of Cantonese, Sichuan & Shanghainese Cuisine



The archaic facade of Avenue Joffre 霞飞路 looks right out of a movie set or theme park, feeling every inch the tourist trap that threatens mediocre food at exorbitant prices. Didn't helped that a staff was walking up and down near the entrance enthusiastically beckoning passer-bys to visit the Chinese restaurant.

"Come, come! Come try our food! We've just opened! 来试试看吧!"

*Gasp* If we were not aware that this is helmed by some top masterchefs offering comfort food from various cities of China that include Zhejiang, Szechuan, Beijing, and Guangdong, and our friend has already gotten a table there waiting for us to arrive, I probably wouldn't think of stepping into this dining establishment.

November 07, 2015

Som Tam @ Orchard Central ~ Modern Thai Fusion Restaurant. Green Curry Pasta Or Tom Yum Burger, Anyone?



Som Tam has recently opened at the corner of Orchard Central's level 8, serving modern fusion interpretation of well-loved Thai dishes. The casual restaurant want to give Thai food a new lease of life.

It sounds interesting enough for us to want to check it out, though I must say that the idea is not entirely new. We do see some restaurants offering the likes of green curry pasta, as well as stir-fried spaghetti with beef and holy basil.

But will an establishment dedicated mainly to such a concept work? Our trip was made with much anticipation, but not without a note of skepticism too.

November 05, 2015

Terra @ Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar ~ Delectable Tokyo-Italian Cuisine By Chef-Owner Seita Nakahara



First thing thing first, I must clarify that Tokyo-Italian cuisine doesn't mean a fusion amalgamation of Japanese and Italian food, but one that embodies authentic Italian cuisine using celebrated fresh produce native to Japan, or "itameshi" as chef-owner Seita Nakahara has termed it.

After working his way through kitchens in Tuscany, Sicily, Piedmont and Singapore's Enoteca L'Operetta, he finally opened his own restaurant, Terra.

We descended upon the intimate space located at Tras Street all ready to be wowed by his culinary creations, and we were wowed indeed!

November 03, 2015

Hairy Crab Delicacies @ Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Paragon Orchard ~ An Indulgent Crustacean Affair



More hairy crabs? Yes, yes, give it to me! Must indulge in this autumnal specialty while it's still in season, else will have to wait for another year!

A much anticipated annual affair, Crystal Jade's An Indulgent Crustacean Affair - Hairy Crab promotion is currently on and will end 30 November this year, or while stocks last.

It is well-known that hairy crabs are coveted for its golden creamy roe and delicate sweet flesh. At Crystal Jade, these crustacean delights are specially imported from Yang Cheng Lake in China, and bigger specimens are selected for their abundant roe.

November 02, 2015

New Taste Restaurant 新嘉飨 @ Macpherson Road ~ Signature Crab Porridge At Only $19.90+! Superb Value & Taste!



Chinese food might not be deemed the trendiest of cuisine, but is one which we always turn to when searching for a taste of familiarity and comfort. Once in a while, we'd get excited about it again.

Our visit to New Taste Restaurant 新嘉飨 was one of those occasions. It was a wondrous dinner of modern fine Chinese fare whipped up by an award-winning chef who is only 26 years of age!

Good lobang things must share! Readers of PinkyPiggu get to enjoy a 15% Discount off your total bill (except for promotional items) at New Taste from now till 30 November 2015 by simply show this post to the staff there. Don't say #bojio.

October 30, 2015

Masizzim Singapore @ 313 Somerset ~ A New Korean Restaurant That Serves Delicious Meat Stew!



Some people surely possess business acumen and discerning tastes when it comes to identifying good food! After bringing in Chir Chir, the popular Korean fried chicken joint into Singapore, the same folks now serve up stew dishes by Masizzim 마시찜 , which is also a famous Korean casual restaurant with stores all over South Korea.

"Masizzim "is a combination of two Korean words: "masi" (delicious) + "jjim" (stew).

Delicious stew indeed! The mini hot pot bubbling with chunks of slow-cooked meat might not come across as the most trendy of dishes, but is certainly one that gratified our tongues and tummies with much comforting warmth and appetizing yumminess.

October 27, 2015

Karafuru Desserts カラフル @ Jalan Klapa ~ A Japanese-Inspired Café Serving Sweet Sweet Sweet Éclairs.



Our experience at Karafuru Desserts カラフル was so so so sweet (literally), my friend weaned herself from anything sweet for the next couple of days.

"Karafuru" means "colorful" in Japanese katakana-form, and most aptly describe the rows of vibrant-hued éclairs behind the display counter of this Japanese-inspired café at Jalan Klapa.

Pretty éclairs, intricately-plated yogurt parfaits, aesthetic-pleasing minimalist white interior, this is another of those places that highly attract creatures of the visual-loving kind (yes, my friend and I are one of them). Most photos taken here would probably garner numerous likes on any Instagram feed. Effortlessly.

October 25, 2015

Oriole Coffee + Bar @ Capitol Piazza ~ 1-For-1 Lunch Specials! What A Good Deal!



Founded in 2008, Oriole Coffee + Bar is one of the pioneers of Singapore's third wave coffee movement. Besides having their own coffee roasting facility, they also have a café outlet at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Somerset, and recently opened a new branch at Capitol Piazza.

We decided to stop by for cup of coffee after a less-than-stellar meal at MOS Café, and were pleasantly surprised to see there's a Weekday 1-For-1 Lunch Specials on their Classics, Sandwiches and Salads (available Mondays to Fridays, 12pm to 3pm). Feeling peckish for more food, we went for it of course!

October 22, 2015

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar @ Wisma Atria Orchard ~ The SHIOK Maki Is Really Very SHIOK!



If you're wondering what "shiok" means, it's our local slang to describe something that is highly satisfying, or to express a feeling of extreme pleasure. More often than not, we use it when we're eating food that is really good.

An instance would be the Shiok Maki from Koh Grill & Sushi Bar. The humble eatery is nestled in level 4 of Wisma Atria, right beside Food Republic.

If you're lucky enough, you'd get a nice window table overlooking the bustling Orchard Road below. But according to my friend, if you can manage to secure a reservation and beat the queue during meal times, that's considered very lucky already. Better go during off-peak hours if your schedule allows (like what we did).

October 20, 2015

Pontini Italian Restaurant @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel ~ 5 Reasons To Go For Their Semi Lunch Buffet!



My friend was so looking forward to the Italian semi lunch buffet at Pontini Italian Restaurant, she skipped dinner the night prior to our visit so that she can go all out to indulge without a care (to the diet plans) the next day. I tried to do the same but failed lol. #notkidding

You see, I've tried the delectable creations by head chef Daniele Sarno before, so we're pretty sure that constraining ourselves to yummy food is the last thing we want to do. Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist..... make that an endless supply. Won-won-wonderful!!!

If you've yet to check out Pontini's Italian Semi Lunch Buffet which is happening every Saturday, as well as on Public Holidays, from 12pm to 3pm (Adults $58, Child $29), here are 5 reasons why you should do it soon!

October 19, 2015

In Good Company Café @ Ion Orchard ~ Plain Vanilla Bakery Opens Within A Fashion Store



Plain Vanilla
is now in town! Right smacked in the heart of Orchard Road!

Look not for the bakery itself, but a fashion retailer named In Good Company in basement one of Ion Orchard (right next to the escalator). Even as we walked through the boutique storefront, my friend is still asking, "here have café meh?"

Past the rows of wardrobe essentials and stylish staples for women, and you'd find yourself at a corner space that livens the nook with its bright orange wall and..... a display counter with lots and lots of freshly-baked goods!

Look at the piping of those cupcakes. Unmistakably it's by folks from Plain Vanilla.

October 17, 2015

Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café @ South Bridge Road, Chinatown ~ Hippy Vegan & Vegetarian Cusine!



Someone asked: "Do we have to be well-dressed to go to Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café?"

Haha the answer is "no". We were not thrown out though casually dressed, but were welcomed with a host of delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. The carnivore in me did not protest the no meat meal at all, but instead was greatly satisfied with the refreshing offerings that rested light on the palate and tummy.

In short, I was happy with what I've tasted at WDSB.

October 15, 2015

Gyuu Yakiniku Grill Restaurant @ Emporium Shokuhin, A Food Shopping & Dining Destination At Marina Square!



An exciting reason to visit Marina Square: Emporium Shokuhin!

If the buzz has yet to reach your ears, here's sharing that Emporium Shokuhin (meaning "food products") is Singapore's first integrated Japanese food shopping and dining destination headlined by a gourmet grocer with live seafood market, beef dry-aging facility and 8 dining concepts. Wow!

Recently opened in end-September, one can easily imagine how huge the space must be to hold all these concepts under the same roof. The walk around various stations took us more than 30 minutes. Of course we stopped quite a fair bit to take photos and gawk at the merchandise before having a delicious dinner at Gyuu Yakiniku Grill eventually hehee.

October 14, 2015

Hairy Crab Grandeur 2015 @ Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant 萬豪軒, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel



Hairy Crabs! It's the time when these seasonal delicacy treasured for their abundant roe are calling out to us once again!

This year, Wan Hao 萬豪軒, the award-winning Chinese restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, offers two scrumptious Hairy Crab Grandeur menus priced at $98++ and 108++ (minimum 2 persons to dine, Marriott Club member entitles for flat 20% discount). The dishes are available ala-carte too if you're not ready for the 6 to 7 course feast.

I wouldn't deny I'm a huge fan of hairy crabs, so hurriedly made a beeline for it before promotion ends in end-Nov. Chiong ahh!!!

October 12, 2015

Korea's Churro 101 Opens At Singapore's Bugis+! Go Get Those Long, Crispy Dough Of Happy Indulgence!



Churro 101, Better Than A Boyfriend. It's not easy not to grab any attention with such a cheeky tagline :p

We were told that the wait for the perfect churro is over, as the popular specialty chain from Korea opens its first international outpost at Singapore's Bugis+. Even top K-Pop groups like Girls' Generation, F(x), Miss A, and Girls' Day are fans.

It sure buzzed up quite a fair bit of excitement among the few of us during the media preview. Our eyes gleamed up at those approximately 30cm long, deep-fried dough of indulgence. Our mouths couldn't wait to chomp it all down.

October 11, 2015

Twins Korean Restaurant @ Craig Road, Tanjong Pagar ~ One Of The Best Korean Fried Chicken Around!



"Nicole, can dabao (takeaway) the twins chefs for me please?" That was my friend's reaction when she learned that I was at Twins Korean Restaurant for dinner. She likes delicious wings, and maybe delicious-looking twins even more? Haha!

It's already quite a well-known fact that Twins is opened by a pair of identical twins from Korea, both young, tall, good-looking and definitely equipped with cooking skills good enough to open up a restaurant offering a menu of perennial Korean favorites such as Fried Chicken, Tokkbokki (spicy rice cakes), Spicy Noodle Soup and Kimchi Pancake.

Verdict: I love Twins' Fried Chicken Wings!

October 09, 2015

Caveman Food @ The Star Vista ~ A Casual Eatery That Serves Paleo-Friendly Food



If blood type dieting is the way to go, then the Paleo approach might be good for those who belong to type O which has a very well-developed ability to digest meals that contain both protein and fat. By following a diet designed for your blood type, you'll lose weight, have more energy, and help prevent disease. Sounds good right?

One of type O peeps would be yours truly, so I was keen to try out Caveman Food which specializes in serving dishes that keep to Paleo Diet or near to the originality of diet in the Palaeolithic era. If a caveman couldn't eat it, neither should we.

High protein, no msg, no sugar, no grain, no soy, no dairy, no artificial flavoring and gluten-free. What can we expect on the menu then?

October 07, 2015

Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant @ Ang Mo Kio's Jubilee Square ~ Satisfying Fare At Affordable Prices!



It was a quest for the Best Beef Bowl In Singapore when some online research alerted me to Haru Haru, a casual Japanese restaurant located at Level 2 of Jubilee Square (across Ang Mo Kio mrt station NS16).

I went, I ate, and I thought, "Their Wagyu don nice. Can come again to try some other dishes". And so I did.

You can see from the picture above that we ended up trying a lot of items lol! But as the food was overall good, it was worthwhile busting the calories intake for that day.

October 05, 2015

The Halia Restaurant @ Singapore Botanic Gardens ~ Revamped Look & Menu!



Restaurant in a garden and a garden in a restaurant. What an apt description for The Halia (meaning "ginger" in Malay) which has well-embodied this dining concept since its opening in 2001 in the lush Ginger Garden of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

One of my favorite restaurants around, I was keen to check out their updated menu following the recent premises renovation.

If you're visiting Halia for the first time, enter from Tyersall Avenue entrance which is just a short 5 minutes walk to the restaurant, and the single storey building will soon come into sight. I must say it still look as charming after all these years.

October 03, 2015

Eastern House of Seafood Delicacy @ Chai Chee Drive ~ Zhi Char Gem In The East



Why would someone staying in the northern end of Singapore travel all the way to the island's remote eastern part just to eat zhi char in a nondescript, non-aircon coffeeshop located under a block of HDB flat in a sleepy neighborhood?

Because reviews on Eastern House of Seafood Delicacy at Chai Chee Drive has been largely positive.

Because friends matter more than distance, so to go the extra mile (literally) for lunch with them is okay.

Thankfully, both the food and company were great!

October 02, 2015

Five By Five (5x5) @ Thomson V One ~ Former November 8 Resurfaced As New Café



Though November 8 was kind of short-lived (ceasing operations after 18 months when lease was up), fans of the popular café would be happy to know that it has quickly resurfaced 2 weeks ago as Five By Five (5x5).

Yes, it's the same guys behind both establishments. They're back! New name, new concept, new location.

Hei hei! 5 is definitely much better than 8!

October 01, 2015

MOS Café Singapore Opens First Outlet At Raffles City Shopping Centre!



Hello October! The first day of the month started with the official opening of Singapore's first MOS Café at Raffles City Shopping Centre!

Best know for their burgers, popular fast-food chain MOS now introduces an expanded menu at their café. I've always been fond of MOS Teriyaki Chicken Burger ($3.55), Yakiniku Rice Burger ($3.90) and side treats such as MOS Chicken ($2.90), and is glad that we can still find these and more at their latest concept store.

So, what's new?

September 30, 2015

Old Boys Gallery @ Kampong Bahru Road ~ Where Bistro, Bar & Art Meets



Why the name Old Boys Gallery? Because the bistro is opened by 3 old boys (as I was told by the sister of one of them who is helping to do the marketing)!

Well, I do not know any of the boys personally so I don't know how "old" they are, but if the colorful, vibrant interior of the casual joint is reflective of their personalities, I would say they're young at heart no matter the age.

Conceptualized to be a place where people can hang out to chill over food and drinks, the former art gallery along Kampong Bahru Road is now transformed into a bistro.

September 29, 2015

Snatch @ One Shenton Way ~ A Protein-Centric Salad Bar For Clean, Quick, Eats In CBD Area



Snatch is one of the latest salad bar to open at One Shenton Way, offering working executives and nearby residents another option for healthier eating in the Raffles Place CBD area.

But do we really need another salad bar, albeit a protein-centric one? If we look at the bustling crowd at The Daily Cut and unceasing queue at Grain Traders during lunch hour, the answer would probably be "yes".

September 28, 2015

Café & Meal MUJI, Singapore @ Orchard Paragon ~ Simple, Fuss-Free, Satisfying Meal.



After having "ang mo chap chye png" at Grain Traders for lunch, I went to eat "Japanese chap chye png" at Café & Meal MUJI for dinner! Oh my goodness! Low-carbs diet? What diet? (chap chye png = economy mixed vegetable rice)

Popular Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI finally opened their first café in Singapore at Orchard Paragon earlier this month, mirroring a dining concept which is not unlike the ones they currently have in Japan itself, as well as Hong Kong, Chengdu and Taiwan.

Its deli counter displays a host of dishes, you pick what you prefer to go with your rice, make payment, bring your food to your table, sit down, take photo, eat. Straightforward and fuss-free meal.

September 27, 2015

Lai Huat Signatures ~ Popular Sambal Fish Restaurant Opens At China Street!



Whenever the dish of sambal fish is mentioned, Lai Huat is the familiar name that will inevitably popped up. There are a few eateries across the island bearing the "Lai Huat" brand, owners are somewhat related but businesses are mostly independently run. I would say the quality of food varies too.

If you're looking for one which has well-executed food, air-conditioned comfort, and easy accessibility, Lai Huat Signatures at China Street (nearest mrt Raffles Place NS26/EW14 & Telok Ayer DT18) would be the branch you can consider going to.

September 25, 2015

Clinton Street Baking Company, Singapore @ Purvis Street ~ Best NYC Pancake Is Here!



What caught me by surprise was, some of my foodie friends who usually 'chiong' (local slang for 'rush') to cafés on their first day of operations seemed uninterested when Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant opened their doors last weekend. Why huh?

For the uninitiated, Clinton St is the renowned bakery from New York City famed for its pancakes, burgers, biscuits and other freshly-baked goods.

Voted "Best Pancakes", and described as "Legendary", "New York #1 Breakfast Spot", "Brunch Magnet", by various New York publications. Are you sold on it yet?

September 22, 2015

Grain Traders @ CapitaGreen, Raffles Place ~ Hearty Meal Bowls That's Totally Satisfying!



As my cup of coffee is being prepared, the affable barista at MavRx asked me, "so where did you have lunch earlier? My answer was, "ang mo chap chye png" (Western version of Chinese mixed vegetable rice)! Haha!

Grain Traders officially started trading on 1st September 2015, serving up hearty meal bowls which we can concoct on our own. Choose your grain, pick your protein, add various toppings and finish off with a sauce (sounds familiar?).

Mix it, eat it and love it. I'm definitely loving it!

September 20, 2015

The Fickle Mussel @ Goldhill Shopping Centre ~ Café Serving Mussels & More, At Affordable Prices.



The Fickle Mussel
is a recent opening at Goldhill Shopping Centre (along the same row as Udders), serving up simple French dishes, Western grub, as well as their specialty mussels.

Not quite a fancy hangout place, but if you're looking for an affordable meal in a relatively comfortable environment, this will suffice. Mains are priced under $20, and Weekday Lunch Set (1 main + 1 soft drink) is only at $10nett.

September 19, 2015

MavRx Coffee Apothecary @ Duxton Hill ~ Serving One Of The Best Coffee In Singapore!



It seems almost imperative nowadays that whenever I'm in the Tanjong Pagar vicinity, I will swing by MavRx Coffee Apothecary at Duxton Hill for a caffeine fix.

I'm no coffee connoisseur, but there is something about the brew at this coffee specialty joint that highly pleases in terms of smooth finish and well-balanced, full-bodied taste.

You can say both the coffee and place got me hooked.

September 17, 2015

Tendon Ginza Itsuki @ Tanjong Pagar ~ Delicious Japanese Tempura Donburi!



Keisuke Takeda. Met the celebrity ramen chef twice, a very reserved man. We all know he's the genius behind the highly successful Ramen Keisuke chain of ramen restaurants, but has since started selling gyoza (Gyoza King), oden (Takeda Shoten) as well, and now, opened a tendon shop!

Tendon Ginza Itsuki at Tanjong Pagar is the newest venture by chef Keisuke, a collaboration with Ginza Itsuki Sushi restaurant in Tokyo, specializing in 'tendon' which is short for "tempura donburi" (not sinew the connective tissue lah, you england bery powderful people).